Art Review: The Kiss by Gustav Klimt

The Kiss is Gustav Klimt’s most famous and well known painting. Produced in 1908 in Vienna, Austria and incorporated oil and gold life on the canvas (1). This was unique for his time and represents both tile works with Asiatic influence. The painting and the romance it brings forward is still wonderment to onlookers. The picture depicts a passionate relationship between a man and woman in a sort of perfect place. 

The couple is embracing, bodies entwined, wearing robes of wealth and decadence. It provides linear constructs of the Art Nouveau style and the movement of arts with crafts (2). The male is square and masculine while the woman painted is in curves to represent femininity. The couple is a pair with the woman and man equal in stature. They are in a field of flowers and appear to rise above it. 

To many this painting represents the concept that love has no bounds. Social position or worldly wealth cannot hide what goes on under the fancy clothes and standard manner of living. Love is something that has existed since the beginning of time and no matter how many layers of other stuff we pile on it the essentials are always the same. 

No one knows for sure who the female is within the picture. Some believe it is Klimt’s life-long partner Emilie Floge or Adele Bloch-Bauer (3). Her facial features are so generic that it would be difficult for a person to actually discriminate between Klimt’s many lovers and the actual subject of his painting. Whoever it was there is little doubt there was great passion in the relationship. 

Klimt was a rare artist who achieved both wealth and notoriety in his life (4). He traveled little but painted everyday from morning until night. His father was a metal engraver and he seemed to pick up the trait in his formal and informal schooling to make the works by which he is now famous. His life was prosperous until he died in 1918.

The Night Watch by Rembrandt van Rijn (1642)

The Night Watch (1642) is one of the most famous paintings by Rembrandt van Rijn. The name is actually incorrect as the painting was inappropriately covered in dark varnish and appears to depict a night scene. However, the varnish was removed in the 1940's giving the total work a brighter image of day time. The painting was originally entitled Patrouille de Nuit by the French and "Night Watch" by Sir Joshua Reynolds. The intent of the painting was to move the subjects into the bright light of the day.

Rembrandt was born in Leyden to a miller and the daughter of a baker. His father owned a windmill and people came to use the saying that Rembrandt was "born in a windmill". He was brought into a family of five siblings. His father decided that he should study to be a lawyer but instead he turned to art. He received his earliest training from a relative by the name of Jacob van Swanenburch before moving onto more skilled masters. He finally moved to Amsterdam and married a wealthy lady by the name of Saskia van Ulenburg.

The painting is conducted of a Musketeer company. Captain Frans Banning-Kock and his company paid Rembrandt for a historic and glorious picture walking in the middle of day in their full dress. The two figures walking are Frans Banning-Cocq, Lord of Furmerland and Ipendam, the company captain. The archers guild who commissioned the painting refused to give Rembrandt the money because their faces were not clearly visible. He thus received the worst compensation out of any of his paintings.

The Musketeer (mousquetaire) was considered part of the basic infantry in early European history. They could at times be used as a dragoon on horseback and were lightly armed. Around 1850's they were replaced by rifleman except in Germany where they maintained the name until WWI. They were also used in Turkey where the famous Janissary Corps was formed. China also used the musketeers since the 1400s.  At times the muskets were adapted to shields and created slow burn machine guns by turning the shield as each shot was fired. 

The painting was drawn during the Dutch Golden Age that lasted from 1568-1648. The time was marked by increased wealth and flourishing works in trade, science, military and art. In 1568 seven provinces signed the Union of Utrech which started the 80 years war as a rebellion against Spain. This war continued until the Peace of Westphalia which gave the country formal recognition. The Dutch East India company started the first modern stock market and the Bank of Amsterdam was established as the first central bank.

"The Market Cart" by Thomas Gainsborough: Rural English Society

The Market Cart 1786

The Market Cart by Thomas Gainsborough is set in the scenery of rural England in 1786. The work is currently at home in National Gallery, London. The painting is of country folk returning their farm goods from the market. Within the work you can find a wood cutter picking up faggots, a family on the way to their market, and a trustworthy dog walking along the horse. It is a peaceful scenery with large oaks and nice weather that is about to turn into evening. It is a family tired, making their way home, after a long day traveling to and from the local market.

Thomas Gainsborough was a child prodigy that learned the love for art from his mother and was found painting nearly everything within his neighborhood. His father, John Gainsborough, was a cloth merchant in Sudbury, Suffolk. Thomas studied under Hayman in London and then moved on to continue his occupation. Around the age of 20 Thomas married Margaret Burr the illegitimate daughter of the Duke of Bedford. His career took off after moving to Bath where he found work with members of the high society. In 1768 he founded the Royal Society. He was able to complete over a thousand great art pieces during his lifetime from 1727-1788.

It is believed that the farm market started over 10,000 years ago in Turkey and the Middle East. Agriculture finally but slowly made its way to England around 6,500 years ago. Such markets grew as farming become more common place in the predawn of modern society. In many cases such markets were held every week and offered an opportunity for country folk to sell goods and obtain needed supplies. It was also considered a social hub during the era where the latest rumors could be heard and spread. 

The concepts of Mercantilism became British policy during this time. Mercantilism is the concept where merchants and government banded together to create greater spheres of power, influence and wealth. Wealth was often generated from trade and diverted to London where British Ships were built to develop global power and to crush American smuggling operations with the French, Dutch and Spanish. At about the time "The Market Cart" was being painted there was a movement to the Industrial Revolution, 1770s to the 1820s, that changed the landscape of rural farming to a more productive powerhouse. Thus the painting is one of Romanticism and completed during the time of rapid change where farmers began the long climb to industrial cities that continues on today.

The Agricultural Revolution was also a couple of decades in the mix and the average farmer could grow approximately 19 bushels of wheat, oats or barley off of an acre. During this time males could find work as day laborers while breaking their back for subsistence living. Tasks often included threshing, mowing, cutting wood, carting, collecting faggots (as seen in the picture), or other simple farm tasks. Additional compensation could be found in the form of housing, beer, food, or clothing. It was definitely not an easy life for most people but land was plentiful and hopes were high.

What is Behind the Painting of "The Bull" 1647?

The Bull 1647

When is a painting just colors on canvas? Painting is a representation of life and the figures, creatures, and landscapes represent important aspects of societal living. "The Bull" is a painting that is central to farm life and animal husbandry. Yet "The Bull" is much more than a beautiful piece of artwork as it also represents something spiritual and thriving.  Without the domesticated bull it is doubtful society could produce enough food to expand and grow.

Paul Potter had a very short career in painting but during this lifetime he produced many great artistic works. He was born in the fishing village Enkhuizen and studied art from the warmth of his home. He lived with his father in Amsterdam for a while, went to the Delft for a couple of years and then to the Hague where he painted the famous work "The Bull" in 1647. After this time his career was plagued by crippling sickness and disease leaving a number of fine art works behind as a legacy.

"The Bull" was considered one of his best works and represented the noble nature of the lord of the fields and pastures.  The painting was huge measuring 8 feet 6 inches in height, by 9 feet 10 inches in width. At this time the masterpiece is still one of the most celebrated in Holland and draws thousands of visitors to the Hague Museum every year. It is seen as one of the early examples of Romanticism. Even though the painting has some apparent scale flaws it is seen as a detailed wonder with the smug indifference of the bull apparent.

The bull has a central place in the significance of human life. To the ancient Celtics the bull represented fertility, to the Druids it represented power, and to most others it conjures images of power, wealth, and luxury. In the Jewish tradition the bull is seen as harmony and provision which is represented in the symbol of the Hebrew aleph. Throughout history the bull has been a creature of mysticism and spirit that could make the most ferocious predators run out of fear.

To American farmers the bull (Bos taurus) is central to the herd of cows. Selecting the right bull allows for beneficial genetics in animal husbandry and a healthier overall flock. Bulls are often unpredictable and full of energy and require a nose ring to control effectively. They are often castrated to limit their temperament and size. Weighing 1,000-2000 lbs they can be aggressive with only 1 in 20 people attacked by a bull surviving. The bull has been known to have a central place in the economy since 2150 BC in the Epic of Gilgamesh. Cave paintings have been noted as far back as 17,000 years ago showing its companionship with the development of society.

Of course who hasn't heard the term "bull market"? Even in today's stock markets the animal maintains its charm. A bull market can be a group of bonds, currencies or commodities. The bull market is one of optimism where psychologically investors believe the value of their holdings will continue to rise. Interestingly, one can even trade in bulls. With $80 billion in U.S. cattle market value each year there is no "bull" in this masculine creature. The painting of the bull represents its importance in the 1600's and maintains its relevance today. It is projected that this castrated animal will continue to breed important contributions in the future. No pun intended.